The wines of Grand-Puy-Lacoste have a beautiful, deep color and the aromas are very pure and complex, subtle and refined. Depending on the vintage, one's first impression may be of ripe fruit or flowers, often toasted notes, spice and vanilla. With time it develops a remarkably full, rich character.

In the mouth one is struck by its elegant individuality. The flavors support and amplify its aromatic sensations with a notably large range of fruit, particularly cassis, which develops with age. The wines are well-built, with powerful tannic structure which never loses its silky smoothness.

By nature a wine for long aging, Grand-Puy-Lacoste needs between eight and ten years to reveal its full potential.

The 2023 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Bordeaux blend from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Produced by Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this red wine consists of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. The harvest took place between September 11th and 28th, and the wine is matured in 75% new oak barrels.

James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 96 points, praising its “beautiful purity and freshness to the blackcurrants and blackberries with subtle notes of cedar and graphite.” He described it as “medium- to full-bodied,” with a polished and silky texture that feels “almost weightless” and noted its long finish (jamessuckling.com).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it 95 points, highlighting aromas of “cassis, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, and violets.” The review by William Kelley described it as “medium to full-bodied, fleshy, and supple,” with well-integrated tannins and a lively, charming profile (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate).

Vinous also rated the wine 95 points, with Neal Martin noting that it has a classic “GPL” bouquet featuring “blackberry, pencil box, and light marine scents.” The medium-bodied palate is described as having gentle grip and a light bitter edge that lends tension and nerve. Martin observed good depth and an impressive linearity, suggesting that it will require less bottle age compared to recent vintages (Vinous).

Jane Anson gave the wine 94 points, pointing out its “great balance, good freshness, and Pauillac typicity.” She noted that it shows “bright cassis and blackberry fruits” with additional flavors of “salted cracker edge, liquorice, graphite, spiced cocoa beans, and flashes of fresher redcurrants” (janeanson.com).

Jeff Leve rated it 95 points, describing it as “concentrated, full-bodied, vibrant, juicy, fresh, and rich.” He highlighted the balance of “freshness, sweetness, chewy currants, and a savory, peppery-tinted finish” (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Jeb Dunnuck also awarded it 95 points, remarking on its “deeper plum hue” and “beautiful aromatics of crème de cassis, graphite, and flowers.” He described the mouthfeel as “pure, elegant, yet concentrated” (jebdunnuck.com).

The Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown gave it 93 points, describing it as “deep garnet-purple in color” with “restrained notes of crushed black and red currants, fresh blackberries, and raspberry leaves.” The palate is “soft and lively, with just enough mid-palate intensity and an herbal lift on the finish” (The Wine Independent).

Decanter also rated it 95 points, highlighting “fragrant floral and blackcurrant notes on the nose.” The review mentioned its precision and nuance, with “fine, salty, and spiced tannins” supporting the pure fruit and a graphite edge that lingers on the tongue (Decanter).

Overall, the 2023 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a well-received wine with excellent reviews, showcasing balance, freshness, and fine aging potential.